Impact Of Connectivity On Seafarer Mental Health

Last September, ISWAN published an article by Dr Olivia Swift exploring the meaning of social isolation amongst seafarers and the practical measures to address its effects on their mental health.

Dr Olivia Swift’s latest article with Dr Rikke Jensen, Digital technology and seafarers’ mental wellbeing, uses existing research to investigate how connectivity and social media can help and/or hinder seafarers’ mental health and onboard social cohesion.

Image Credits: seafarerswelfare.org

The article explores research which offers useful insights in support of familiar points of view on the subject. Although there is no unanimous verdict about whether improved connectivity is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for seafarers’ mental health and social interactions onboard ship, there are signs that improved connectivity onboard is generally beneficial.